\n
Important note<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThis article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis or advice. If you are unsure, or if you require a personalised treatment plan, it is essential that you consult a qualified specialist.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
What is burn surgery? A definition<\/h2>\n\n Burn surgery is a sub-speciality of plastic and reconstructive surgery that specialises in the entire treatment pathway for burn injuries. This encompasses acute intensive care to save lives, the surgical treatment of wounds, and the long-term functional and aesthetic reconstruction of the resulting scars and defects.<\/p>\n\n
Treatment takes place in specialist burns centres and requires close collaboration between a multidisciplinary team comprising surgeons, anaesthetists, intensive care specialists, nurses and physiotherapists.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
The two main phases of treatment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n The work of a burns surgeon can be divided into two basic phases:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nPhase 1: Acute care \u2013 the fight for survival<\/strong> In the initial phase following a severe burn, the priority is to stabilise the patient and save their life.<\/p>\n
\nIntensive care:<\/strong> Firstly, the life-threatening consequences of the burn, such as fluid loss, hypothermia and the risk of infection, must be managed.<\/li>\n\n\n\nDebridement \/ Necrosectomy:<\/strong> The surgeon removes dead tissue (necrosis) by debridement to prevent infection and promote wound healing.<\/li>\n\n\n\nSkin graft:<\/strong> The resulting open wounds must be covered as quickly as possible with the patient\u2019s own skin (usually split-thickness skin from the thigh, buttocks or side of the torso) or a temporary skin substitute, in order to restore the skin\u2019s vital barrier function.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\nPhase 2: Reconstruction \u2013 Restoring form and function<\/strong> Once survival has been ensured and the wounds have healed, the recovery phase \u2013 which often lasts for years \u2013 begins. The aim is to restore the patient\u2019s quality of life as fully as possible.<\/p>\n
\nTreatment of scar contractures:<\/strong> Burn scars tend to shrink and harden. This can lead to severe restrictions in movement, particularly in the joints. Through complex techniques such as the Z-Plastic<\/strong> These scar bands are released and lengthened.<\/li>\n\n\n\nCosmetic scar correction:<\/strong> To improve the appearance of large or raised scars, techniques such as W-Plastik<\/strong>, dermabrasion or laser treatments are used.<\/li>\n\n\n\nTissue expansion:<\/strong> In order to \u201egrow\u201c missing, scar-free skin tissue, so-called expanders (a type of balloon) can be implanted beneath healthy neighbouring skin and gradually inflated over a period of weeks. The skin stretched in this way can then be used to cover scarred areas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n\n
The close link to cosmetic surgery<\/h2>\n\n At first glance, emergency medicine in the field of burns surgery and elective cosmetic surgery seem worlds apart. But on closer inspection, it becomes clear that: Burn surgery is the ultimate training ground for plastic surgery.<\/strong><\/p>\n\nA surgeon who has learnt how to reconstruct a face destroyed by fire possesses invaluable knowledge and technical skill.<\/p>\n\n
These fundamental skills form the very foundation required for excellent and safe outcomes in demanding aesthetic surgery, particularly in complex revision procedures.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
Risks and safeguards for complex procedures<\/h2>\n\n Reconstructive surgery following burns is a complex procedure which, like all surgical procedures, carries risks. However, complications can also arise during planned cosmetic procedures, requiring extensive follow-up treatment.<\/p>\n\n
For cosmetic procedures, a Consequential Costs Insurance<\/strong><\/a> provide financial security in the event that complications arise and follow-up treatment is required. In the field of burns surgery, treatment is usually carried out on medical grounds.<\/p>\n<\/div>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on burn surgery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
Is every plastic surgeon also a burns surgeon?<\/span>+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
No. Not all plastic surgeons specialise in burns surgery. This specialisation is usually achieved through additional experience and further training in specialist burns centres.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
Is it possible to completely remove burn scars?<\/span>+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
No, once a scar has formed, it cannot be completely removed. The aim of reconstructive burn surgery is to improve the scar\u2019s function (mobility) and appearance so that it causes as little disruption as possible in everyday life.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
How soon after a burn injury can reconstruction begin?<\/span>+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
Emergency treatment is provided immediately. However, planned reconstructive procedures to improve the appearance of scars are only carried out once the scars have fully \u201ematured\u201c. This can take at least 12 months or longer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Burn surgery is a sub-speciality of plastic and reconstructive surgery and treats patients with the most severe burns.<\/p>","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-757","glossary","type-glossary","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossary\/757","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossary"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/glossary"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=757"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}